During Second Trump Presidency, Union Wesley AME Zion Church Stands Up for Community

September 10, 2025

Union Wesley AME Zion Church in Northeast DC recently held its third annual "Unity in the Community" event, connecting residents with essential resources amid challenging times. The event gained particular significance this year as community members faced federal government furloughs, Medicaid cuts, and the recent surge of federal law enforcement in District neighborhoods under President Trump's federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department. Hundreds gathered at the church for services, where they received backpacks, school supplies, health screenings, and information from various organizations including College Bound, Inc.

Who is affected

Congregants and community members of Union Wesley AME Zion Church
District residents blindsided by federal government furloughs and Medicaid cuts
Black and brown youth who have been targeted by federal agents
Parents of District high school students concerned about safety
Queens Chapel community residents
Seniors and families attending the Unity in the Community event
Students at Langdon Elementary School

What action is being taken

Union Wesley AME Zion Church is hosting the annual Unity in the Community event providing resources to residents
Various organizations are providing health screenings, blood pressure checks, and educational resources at the event
The Queens Chapel Civic Association is monitoring community concerns and planning a meeting with DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb
Union Wesley AME Zion Church is preparing lunch every Friday for students at Langdon Elementary School
Church leaders are conducting forums on the DC budget affected by congressional continuing resolutions
Community members are sharing information about federal checkpoints in the District

Why it matters

The federal surge in law enforcement has created safety concerns, particularly for Black and brown youth
The church serves as a trusted gathering place during precarious political times
The event addresses health disparities, with heart disease being a major concern in the community
Union Wesley AME Zion Church has a historical significance dating back to 1844 and was once a stop on the Underground Railroad
The church represents one of the few remaining "unapologetically Black" institutions in the community
The collaboration between the church and civic associations helps maintain community cohesion during challenging times

What's next

Trump's evocation of Section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act is scheduled to expire at midnight on September 11
The Queens Chapel Civic Association is planning its annual Community Day for September 13
DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb is scheduled to speak at a Queens Chapel Civic Association meeting on October 20
Congress is considering 14 bills that could affect DC governance, including prosecuting 14-year-olds as adults and giving Congress line-item veto power over the DC budget

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer